There has never been any clinical research into the health benefits of belly dancing this is therefore virgin territory. The facts below are based on the expert observations of Elizabeth Sharp, one of the UKs leading physiotherapists, following master Turkish belly dancer Ozgens workshop at her Harley Street esph clinic.
Can help prevent back problems. Back pain is endemic in the West, with American studies showing 80% of adults are affected at some point in their lives Regular belly dancing can help prevent back pain as it tones and strengthens the core parts of the body the abdomen, pelvis and lumbar spine which bear the brunt of the bodys weight and actions. It reaches important deep muscles of the abdomen and spine such as the obliques that are rarely worked by other exercises. Belly dancing is also an important advanced level activity for those recovering from back problems, helping to build up good posture, stamina and stability.Global exercise for the entire body & a fun way to burn big calories. Like aerobics, belly dancing provides a fun and comprehensive workout for the body. The dance isolates and moves every body part, from the head to feet, and as a continuous exercise, is great for the heart and lungs, and bones and joints.
You can burn 109 calories for every 10 minutes you belly dance (varies depending on your height, weight and how vigorously you work your body).The Gold Standard in body co-ordination and agility. It may seem simple to the eye, but belly dancing is a very complex dance of fine movements, requiring immense neural control to isolate and move individual body parts. Unlike other dance forms such as ballroom dancing, you do not need to cover vast areas moving around the room, as it is the body which serves as the space for the performance. It means
the belly dancer develops maximum control and co-ordination of all his/her body parts, which become very agile.Helps to clear the mind and reduce tension. Belly dancing is the ideal activity to take you away from your everyday stresses. It requires total concentration, leaving little room for your mind to think about anything else. Tuning in to your sensual side, this uplifting dance helps to reduce mind and body tension.The Peoples Dance improving your cognitive output and sensuality. People love to dance to their favourite music, and as a 2003 study showed, exercising to music stimulates and increases cognitive arousal, while helping to organise cognitive output.
